22 May 2014 – Local Government By-Election – Ward 4 – Oban South & the Isles

The by-election for the election of one Member for Oban South & the Isles Ward of Argyll and Bute Council will take place on Thursday 22 May 2014.

Nominations from prospective candidates are now being invited and nomination forms are available from the Returning Officer at the Election Office, Kilmory Headquarters, Lochgilphead, Argyll and Municipal Building, Albany Street, Oban PA34 4AW . Nominations will close at 4.00pm on Wednesday 16 April 2014 unless the by-election is uncontested, voting will take place on Thursday 22 May 2014.

Oban South & the Isles Ward includes the main town of Oban and the Islands of Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree with a total electorate of around 8,000 people. Copies of the Public Notice giving details of the election arrangements have been posted in a range of locations including the Council’s area offices.

Electors wishing to apply for a postal or proxy vote should contact the Electoral Registration Officer for Argyll and Bute at Kilbrannan House, Bolgam Street, Campbeltown or on 0800 9800470 or visit www.dab-vjb.gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – Why is this by-election taking place?

A – A by-election occurs due to a vacancy caused by the death or resignation of an elected representative. In the case of Ward 4 – Oban South & the Isles, the by-election is due to the resignation of Fred Hall. A by-election can take place during any of the standard election cycles, and is subject to the timetable for normal elections.

Q – I’ve mislaid my polling card – can I still vote and how can I find out where my polling station is?

A – You do not need your polling card to be able to vote. There will be 19 polling stations for this by-election and a list of these is available on the Council’s Election webpage.

If you do not have internet access, contact either the Election Office on 01546 603264 or the Registration Office on 0800 9800470 who will be able to advise you.

Q – What voting system will be used?

A – The voting system used for all local government elections is the Single Transferable Vote (STV). This means that voters will be asked to indicate their preference by numbering the candidates in order of choice, so they will put 1 next to the name of the candidate who is their first choice, 2 next to their second choice, 3 next to their third choice and so on.

Q – I will be abroad when the by-election takes place – how can I make my vote count?

A – You can apply to vote by post or to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.

Applications for voting by post must reach the Electoral Registration Officer for Argyll and Bute by 5.00pm on Wednesday 7 May 2014.

Applications to nominate someone to vote on your behalf must reach the Electoral Registration Officer for Argyll and Bute by 5.00pm on Wednesday 14 May 2014.

You can apply for a postal or proxy vote by contacting the Electoral Registration Officer on the details above.

Q – When will the results be announced?

A – The counting of votes cast in the by-election will take place on the afternoon of Friday 23 May 2014 and it is expected that the results of the by-election will be posted here on the afternoon of Friday 23 May 2014.

2014 Argyll and Bute Council